United Way of the Capital Region names new CEO

By Heather Stauffer,
November 9, 2012 at 10:00 AM
- Last modified: November 9, 2012 at 10:13 AM

Tim Fatzinger

United Way of the Capital Region has named Timothy B. Fatzinger its new president and CEO.

Fatzinger will succeed Joseph M. Capita, who in January announced his plans to retire. Capita has led UWCR since 1995 and will step down at the end of January 2013.

Fatzinger, 45, of Mechanicsburg, joined United Way of Pennsylvania shortly after graduating from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a management information systems degree in 1990. Five years later, he joined UWCR and has been there ever since, except for a stint as director of development for the Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children from 2000 to 2001.

Currently UWCR's vice president for resource development, Fatzinger was one of two finalists from a national search and the only internal candidate. According to a news release, he has "been instrumental in a long run of successful fall fundraising campaigns."

The board's search committee, chaired by Kelly Lieblein of Highmark Blue Shield, was assisted by a professional search firm, Kittleman & Associates, which specializes in recruitment for nonprofit organizations.

"The search firm did a very good job and brought us some exceptional candidates," Lieblein said. "Either of the two finalists would have been an excellent choice, but Tim was our unanimous selection. Although Joe has set the bar very high, we're confident that Tim is up to the challenge.

"And it will be a big job. Joe's leadership has helped improve the quality of life in this community – not just for those who benefit from United Way programs and services, but for every one of us who calls this community home."

Fatzinger said he sees his new assignment as an opportunity to build upon UWCR's success, not only in fundraising but in identifying and addressing the most critical human service needs in the Capital Region.

"I believe Joe and I share the same passion and commitment to this organization and our mission," Fatzinger said. "I've certainly benefited from seeing him build a great staff and attract a broad array of excellent program partners. He is leaving us with a very healthy, vital organization. It will be a challenge to walk in Joes shoes, but I look forward to that challenge."

Under Capita's leadership, UWCR grew to become one of the leading fundraising United Ways in the nation. In recent years, UWCR exceeded its annual fundraising goals and was able to increase allocations to its program partners.